Wildlife of Britain

Brumation Explained: What It Is, Why It Happens and Which Animals Experience It When winter arrives in Britain, many animals disappear from view. Hedgehogs hibernate, some birds migrate, and countless insects survive in sheltered locations until warmer weather returns.  But what happens to reptiles and amphibians? Many people assume they simply hibernate like mammals. In reality, most cold-blooded animals undergo a different process known as brumation. Brumation is a natural period of dormancy that allows reptiles and some amphibians to survive cold weather when food is scarce and temperatures are too low for normal activity. Although it shares similarities with hibernation, there are several important differences. This guide explains what brumation is, how it differs from hibernation, which British animals experience it, and why this remarkable adaptation is essential for the survival of many cold-blooded species. What Is Brumation? Brumation is a state of seasonal dormancy entere...